This classic by one of the 20th century's leading libertarian thinkers has established itself beside the works of Orwell and others as a timeless meditation on the relationship between human freedom and government authority. Originally published in 1944, The Road to Serfdom has profoundly influenced many of the world's great leaders: from Orwell and Churchill in the mid-forties, to Reagan and Thatcher in the 80's. The book offers persuasive warnings against the dangers of central planning, along with what Orwell described as ''an eloquent defense of laissez faire capitalism.'' Hayek shows that the idea that ''under a dictatorial government you can be free inside,'' is nothing less than a grievous fallacy. Such dictatorial governments prevent individual freedoms and they often use psychological measures to perform ''an alteration of the character of the people.'' Gradually, the people yield their individuality to the point where they become part of the collectivist mass. [This is a new reading by William Hughes]